Le Bris exercising caution over return of Sunderland pair Alese and Ahmed

Sunderland stars Aji Alese and Ahmed Abdullahi are both edging closer to full fitness - but Régis Le Bris has confirmed that they need longer before rejoining full training.

- by Phil Smith

Alese has been absent since suffering a significant injury during an FA Cup tie with Stoke City in January, but had resumed training earlier this season. A fresh setback delayed his return and while not yet fully fit, it's understood that the defender is now edging closer to a return.

Abdullahi, meanwhile, has not yet made a competitive appearance for the club since signing from Gent last summer. He featured in preseason and made a goalscoring appearance for the U21s early in the campaign, but has been absent in recent weeks. Like Alese, he is making progress in his recovery but is not yet ready to join the squad fully.

Le Bris says Sunderland are not rushing as both will need time to adapt to the intensity of the first-team training environment.